Strat Trem Spring Question ?

I use 3- springs on my 2 Strats' tremolo bridges and have noticed that some folks confgure their springs like the letter A, Where the springs are attached to 'claw spots' 2-3-4 at the top and 1-3-5 on the block. I do 1-3-5 top an bottom. Is there a difference in feel, preference? thanks!

I've always done 1-3-5 top and bottom, just like you have. I do it for the aesthetics. I'd be astonished if it made any difference.

Number of springs, however, is a big deal for obvious reasons.

I have always had the bridge of my strat against my guitar with the wang bar off...until last week. Something made me wanna try using the guitar for its intended purpose. I set the springs in 1-3-5 configuration at the claw and block. Still have to tweak the balance of the springs and strings but I am loving the change, and staying in tune.

I dont see how it could make a difference. I always use all five springs on my strat for stability reasons.

i use four :lol:

I'm surprised there is only four reply's ??

You should have about 127 by now. :razz:

Everyspring I can get...

I dont see how it could make a difference. I always use all five springs on my strat for stability reasons.

Does this improve tuning stability?

I think I am going to buy more springs to test ever different levels of tension. I think three springs may be too lose for my strong arms. LOL

More springs pulls the bridge down more. If you've decked the bridge then it adds more tuning stability. If you're floating...you're probably using 11's or 12's.

2 MIMs, 10s on each. The one I use more for Surf, bridge set slightly floating, has 4 springs (came w/5). I had it set up w/3, slightly floating, but tuning/bending stability is better w/4. The other Strat trem is decked w/3 springs adjusted tighter (more for blues/rock) but I can stick a trem arm on and get some shimmer if I need to. Better string bending stability on that one.

W/the A-frame configuration the tension on the outside springs is higher than the middle, but the vector is less direct. Tried for a while; I don't see that it really buys you anything??

Lots of Strat folks subscribe to the Carl Verheyen setup method - didn't work all that well for me. The guy's bona fide monster though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy-F7iSIopA

Stopped by my local shop today and got a couple more springs since mine only came with 3. We'll see what the difference is between 3-4-5 springs.

Ok so I setup my strat with 4 springs and love the feel. I think the springs are rubbing on the guitar a bit and causing an annoying grind or squeak sound when they are stretched.

If you want tuning stability on a vintage then you need to true up the "knife edge" of the screw holes and ensure that they bear equally and evenly against the 6 screws, that the screws are not fully tightened and that the trem plate floats off the wood of the body at the front, not scraping along it. Get it right and you can perform feats of gymnastics on it and it comes back into tune with 9s or 10s.

The number of springs determines how floppy you like your trem, whether you like tail up or tail down. The amount of force to put the back of the trem at 1/8-in up is the same whether you have 2 springs or 3 or 4 or 5 - it's a spring balance. The amount of force needed to further extend the springs is determined by the number of springs. The amount of force needed to pull back the trem is determined by the string gauge. You might like equal force up as for down, this seems to be around 3 springs with regular strings.

Q: How does the number of springs affect tone though?